Easy Chicken Tortilla Bake
A hearty and cheesy baked chicken dish with crispy tortilla strips, green chili salsa, and black olives, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 cup canned chicken broth
- 1 can chili beans without meat ⓘ
- 1 cup thick and chunky green chili salsa ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced black olives, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a deep skillet and add water to barely cover.
- Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat until the chicken is white throughout, about 12-15 minutes.
- Drain the chicken and let it cool enough to handle.
- Tear the chicken into 1-inch strips and layer in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer tortilla strips evenly over the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, canned chicken broth, chili beans, green chili salsa, and sliced black olives.
- Pour the mixture over the layered chicken and tortillas.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute flour tortillas for corn if preferred. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. This dish can also be spiced up with jalapeños or fresh herbs. For a creamier texture, add a layer of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Southwestern Corn Soup for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a fresh touch. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and can be easily doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Tortilla Bake contains roughly 1632 calories, with 28g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 146g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2478mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tortilla bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it and covering it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
You can use homemade cream soups or a mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise as a substitute. Alternatively, using a blend of Greek yogurt and broth can provide a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).